Gut Health

I have been on antibiotics for nearly 6 months with only a few breaks from when I switched doctors (Infectious Disease to LLMD). My joint pain is mostly gone, my vision has cleared up, head pressure gone, other pain and stiffness has improved dramatically. But lately I have this unshakeable depression that won't seem to lift.

I am not taking any anti-depressants, just some 5-HTP at night to help with sleep.

I have been vigilant with probiotics and use ACV daily to try and maintain gut health, but is that enough? I also take Nystatin for potential yeast infections. Could this lingering depression be from potential damage to my gut flora?

I so do not want to start an anti-depressant at this stage - I have come so far from where I started. But it's getting more difficult by the day to shake it and feel positive, even when most everything else feels better.

Is there a way to test gut health? Should I just take a break from the antibiotics and see if it helps? My LLMD is booked for months and difficult to see on an as needed basis, so contacting him is not really an option until my next appointment which is months away.

I appreciate any feedback.

I have been on Zithro since the first of the year and only have a few more weeks of it. Then I am supposed to begin Byron White A-L.

Norcross111 said...
I have been on Zithro since the first of the year and only have a few more weeks of it. Then I am supposed to begin Byron White A-L.

So, you've only been on one antibiotic? Is there plans to switch (you mentioned you only have a few more weeks of it) - or are you switching over to herbals only?

It's up to you whether you want it in your signature...

I think the shots would be bicillin.

And, some people need to switch to a different probiotic once in a while to be sure that they get different strains of probiotics.

Dr. Rawls in his book, Unlocking Lyme, has a Chapter called Gut Restoration Protocol.

Here is a great site -- /rawlsmd.com/health-conditions/digestive-health

No, don't take anti-depressants. We know this is lyme related. Whether its "active" lyme or damage it left behind.

You are on the right track thinking about what it could be. Gut health does effect mood and mental health. So does you thyroid.

I would continue to try and address root causes and not on something that just helps with the symptoms.

Yes there are test for gut health

GI Effects Complete Stool Analysis-will tell you what is going on with your gut-simply easy test and you will know

Agree the bone broth really helps a lot

magoo2 said...
Yes there are test for gut health

GI Effects Complete Stool Analysis-will tell you what is going on with your gut-simply easy test and you will know

I came here to suggest this test. It's not cheap but is the most thorough and will tell you everything about pathogens, good flora, ratios and inflammation in your gut.

I also second the bone broth.

For probiotics look into GutPro, DigestaGuard, Bio Kult. These are histamine reducing strains and you can use them as starters for Kefir or other ferments.

For depression try inositol. Works well for depression as well as being a natural antihistamine/mast cell stabalizer which may be a smoldering issue if your gut is compromised.

My doc had me on 10 billion probiotics at night when i was on just Clarithromycin. When he added in Rifabutin he bumped me up to 20 billion split into 2 doses. If you don't have major histamine issues you can also use fermented vegetables with every meal- great for your gut.

Also, it may seem minor but AM sunlight. The bands of light from the sun that hit the earth before 10 am stimulate your pituitary and pineal gland to pump out a bunch of dopamine, serotonin and other good stuff which will kill depression. Plus it stimulates your immune system.

Hopefully all of the suggestions on these posts help. It seems like you're definitely going to make a full, profound recovery.

WalkingbyFaith said...

Donjr said...
Agree the bone broth really helps a lot

I drank it daily for 6 months. Did nothing for my gut. Then I got shingles. When I learned bone broth was high in arginine and bad for shingles, I stopped immediately. about 10 months later, I decided to give it another try. After 3 days, I got shingles again.

Wow - did your shingles resolve fairly quick - or do you still have them?
I have no experience but have read they can take a long to me to heal.